NORTH RONALDSHAY

[Description(s) from The National Gazetteer (1868)]

"NORTH RONALDSHAY, a parish and island in the North-Eastern Orkney Isles,
county Orkney and Shetland, coast of Scotland, 3 miles N. of Sanday Island.
It formed part of the parish of Cross till 1831, and was called Rinarseya
by the Northmen. It extends in length about 3 miles, with a mean breadth of
little over 1 mile. Its surface is low and flat, with the exception of a
gentle rise towards the centre. The soil is sandy, with red clay upon red
sandstone. The land is tolerably fertile, and large quantities of sea-weed
are collected on the shore, from which about 100 tons of kelp are made
annually.

In various parts ancient tumuli are to be seen, and on a
promontory is a lighthouse, visible for 15 miles. Fish and seals are
abundant round the coast, which has good anchorage in Linklets Bay, near
Bridesness, and at Stromness. The shores are low and rooky, with Reef Dyke,
Linay Altars, and other dangerous reefs. This parish is in the presbytery
of North Isles, and in the patronage of the crown. The stipend of the
minister is £120. The parish church was erected by the parliamentary
commissioners. There is a Free church. The island belongs to Mr. Trail, of
Woodwick.

"REEF-DYKE, a reef of rocks on the coast of North Ronaldshay, Orkney
Islands, coast of Scotland. It lies near the entrance to Linklets Bay, off
Cape Brideness, and has only 5 feet water, with breakers on it."